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Erotic Contemporary Romance

18+/Adult Read

Congratulations to author Christina Phillips on the release of Hold Me Until Midnight, the first book in the author’s sizzling Grayson Brothers series. Scroll down to read the blurb and my review and connect with Christina. Tina ❤

Book Blurb

Scarlett Ashford needs a date for her father’s wedding. Only she doesn’t just need a guy in a suit—she needs a bodyguard. The only problem is that Jackson Grayson is big and gorgeous and way too sexy. So much so that Scarlett’s tempted to let this hot bad boy ruin her oh-so-good reputation…

Jackson doesn’t do relationships and he certainly doesn’t sleep with clients. Yet he can’t fight their inconvenient attraction, or how badly he wants Scarlett’s warm and wicked curves against his body. He wants her. Now. Even if it’s just for one night, and even if walking away the next morning isn’t as easy as he thought.

Besides, one hot and incredibly intense night between a bad boy and a pampered princess could never turn into something real…could it?

My Review *****

Another scorching erotic contemporary romance from Christina Phillips! I just loved reading about what happened when ‘bad boy’ Jackson and socialite Scarlett fall hard for each other.

In an attempt to ward off potential scheming and matchmaking from her stepmother-to-be, Scarlett hires the larger than life Jackson (major hottie alert!) from a security firm to masquerade as her date at her father’s wedding. Yet as soon as Jackson and Scarlett set eyes on each other sparks fly and passion ignites in an erotic romance that combines sexual tension and scorching scenes with a lot of heart. The inner dialogue of this couple and their ensuing banter as they circle around each other and try and hide their emotions is vastly entertaining and absolutely priceless!

Scarlett is basically a ‘good girl’ and hiring Jackson is the most daring thing she has ever done. She doesn’t do one night stands or even ‘friends with benefits.’ I loved the fact that meeting Jackson challenges all her preconceived ideas about what a good girl should do and it was hugely entertaining to watch her unravel…

Jackson, a man with a dark past, does not do relationships. Not only that but he and his brothers, who run a well-respected security firm, have a golden rule – never to compromise their professional relationship with a client. Yet how can Jackson reconcile this with the intsa-lust he feels for Scarlett, especially when it appears she feels the same? I was desperate to find out what happens when morning comes and whether bodyguard and client go their separate ways and into their very different worlds for good.

I, like Scarlett, immediately fell for Jackson’s considerable charms and enjoyed his brand of caring but dominant alpha male. Scarlett is sweet and sassy and his perfect match. There is plenty of character and plot development amidst the hot scenes as their lives begin to intertwine, the love stakes increase and barriers to a possible HEA appear.

To summarise: This is another fast-paced, romantic read from Christina Phillips with many sizzling scenes, ranging from cheeky to romantic and downright sexy. Recommended to readers of erotic romance who like a sweet and hot story of how two people from opposite sides of the tracks unexpectedly come together against all the odds!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

An ARC of this book was given to me by the publishers via NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Erotic Contemporary Romance – Coming 9th June!

18+/Adult Read

I was delighted to receive an ARC from the publishers and took great pleasure in reviewing Hold Me Until Midnight, the first book in Christina Phillips’ Grayson Brothers series. I just loved the chemistry between Jackson and Scarlett, the hero and heroine, and the book is a scorching and smexy start to the series! I’m so looking forward to reading about the other Grayson brothers and what is in store for them! Scroll down to read the blurb and review and connect with Christina. Tina ❤

Book Blurb

Scarlett Ashford needs a date for her father’s wedding. Only she doesn’t just need a guy in a suit—she needs a bodyguard. The only problem is that Jackson Grayson is big and gorgeous and way too sexy. So much so that Scarlett’s tempted to let this hot bad boy ruin her oh-so-good reputation…

Jackson doesn’t do relationships and he certainly doesn’t sleep with clients. Yet he can’t fight their inconvenient attraction, or how badly he wants Scarlett’s warm and wicked curves against his body. He wants her. Now. Even if it’s just for one night, and even if walking away the next morning isn’t as easy as he thought.

Besides, one hot and incredibly intense night between a bad boy and a pampered princess could never turn into something real…could it?

My Review *****

Another scorching erotic contemporary romance from Christina Phillips! I just loved reading about what happened when ‘bad boy’ Jackson and socialite Scarlett fall hard for each other.

In an attempt to ward off potential scheming and matchmaking from her stepmother-to-be, Scarlett hires the larger than life Jackson (major hottie alert!) from a security firm to masquerade as her date at her father’s wedding. Yet as soon as Jackson and Scarlett set eyes on each other sparks fly and passion ignites in an erotic romance that combines sexual tension and scorching scenes with a lot of heart. The inner dialogue of this couple and their ensuing banter as they circle around each other and try and hide their emotions is vastly entertaining and absolutely priceless!

Scarlett is basically a ‘good girl’ and hiring Jackson is the most daring thing she has ever done. She doesn’t do one night stands or even ‘friends with benefits.’ I loved the fact that meeting Jackson challenges all her preconceived ideas about what a good girl should do and it was hugely entertaining to watch her unravel…

Jackson, a man with a dark past, does not do relationships. Not only that but he and his brothers, who run a well-respected security firm, have a golden rule – never to compromise their professional relationship with a client. Yet how can Jackson reconcile this with the intsa-lust he feels for Scarlett, especially when it appears she feels the same? I was desperate to find out what happens when morning comes and whether bodyguard and client go their separate ways and into their very different worlds for good.

I, like Scarlett, immediately fell for Jackson’s considerable charms and enjoyed his brand of caring but dominant alpha male. Scarlett is sweet and sassy and his perfect match. There is plenty of character and plot development amidst the hot scenes as their lives begin to intertwine, the love stakes increase and barriers to a possible HEA appear.

To summarise: This is another fast-paced, romantic read from Christina Phillips with many sizzling scenes, ranging from cheeky to romantic and downright sexy. Recommended to readers of erotic romance who like a sweet and hot story of how two people from opposite sides of the tracks unexpectedly come together against all the odds!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the publishers via NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Erotic Western Contemporary Romance

Hot, Darn Hot!

Adult/18+ read

25 pages

Blurb

Blaire is a freelance photographer on assignment. She is heading home to Texas, armed with her camera to do a photo feature for the Tribune. Taking photos of the dude ranch, she gets an eyeful of an uninhibited cowboy through her lens. The summer heat of Texas has nothing on the heat he generates in her.

Dan was expecting a photographer but not the sexy urban cowgirl that arrived. He knew it was hot out, he just hadn’t expected the hot and sexy woman to make him burn the minute he caught sight of her. One look and he had to quench this fire inside.

One touch between Dan and Blaire sparks a wildfire that burns hotter than the Texas summer and is just as hard to put out.

My Review

A Hot Number ****

This is a very quick read but it contains ALL the essentials to hit the spot – a hot cowboy and a woman who has escaped from the city who is hell bent on enjoying herself in the Texas heat! It also has a great twist at the end which I did not see coming.

As soon as the story kicks off we learn a little about the sensual heroine Blaire and what has brought her on this assignment. I enjoyed the descriptions of how Blaire reacts to the heat and the dust she finds herself engulfed in. When she reaches her destination the author is not shy when describing her heroines’s thoughts and actions. Indeed, when a cowboy, who we later learn is called Dan, arrives on the scene I was absolutely gobsmacked with what transpires between the two. Indeed the scenes which occur satisfy more than a couple of my cowboy fantasies!

Recommended for readers who enjoy a highly erotic read who are looking for something quick but wholly satisfying!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

We are thrilled to be participating in the Release Blitz for Taken by the Sheikh, a boxed set comprising three steamy romances from bestselling authors Christina Phillips, Cathleen Ross and Mel Teshco. Scroll down to read the book blurbs and the author links. You can also find the links to the first chapter of each of these sizzling stories and enter a super giveaway! To read the recent interview we carried out on our blog with Christina, Mel and Cathleen click here. Tina and Caroline ❤

Three desert Sheikhs. Three captive brides…

Bound by duty to honor their father’s dying wish, three royal brothers must marry their destined brides… by whatever means necessary…

Sheikh Shahzad Salah al Din doesn’t have time for hearts and flowers, not when his parents’ bodies are barely even cold in their graves and his country, Omana, is on the brink of revolt. He has to secure peace by honoring a long ago arrangement to make English rose, Lexi Galvin, his wife. The trouble is strong-willed Lexi isn’t aware of her royal Arab lineage let alone her destiny. There is only one way Shahzad can guarantee she will be his queen … and he isn’t above using force to get it.

In order to secure a powerful alliance for his country, Khalid has no choice but to marry a neighboring princess. It’s not what he wants, but duty must come before pleasure. Yet when he meets the beautiful Sanura he changes his mind… only to discover the virgin in his bed is not his destined bride.

He’d paid a fortune for his bride and he was determined to collect, whether she liked it or not. Rafi Salah al Din doesn’t trust easily. In charge of security for his country Omana, he devotes his life to duty. With his parents murdered it is his duty to stabilize his country by finding his parents’ assassin, marry and produce a son to ensure the Salah al Din line lives on. So why does the wife he bought disagree?

Christina, Cathleen and Mel have been good friends for years, so when Cathleen came up with the idea of us writing a box set together both authors jumped at the chance to create an exciting, interweaving story about three sheikhs finding love.

Cathleen’s Bio: Cathleen loves writing for Harlequin and Escape publishing. Her latest release: Secret Housewives of Sydney: Nella has been described as the most shocking of the housewives. Of that she is very proud and glad she writes under an assumed name. When she’s not writing for her publisher she’s self publishing. Her latest self-published project is Highlander Romance. For a free Highlander story go to:

Mel’s Bio: Mel Teshco’s gypsy-like upbringing saw her living in many places along Australia’s east coast. Each new home stimulated an already over-active imagination, where she spent as much time dreaming about fantasy worlds as the real world – the fantasy sometimes being much better.

She is a multi-published author with a love for the written word along with a short attention span that sees her juggling a variety of genres and heat levels in her stories. From contemporary to paranormal, inspirational to erotic, she hopes there’s a little of something for every reader out there to enjoy.

Christina’s Bio

Christina Phillips is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their family. She enjoys writing paranormal, historical and contemporary romance where the stories sizzle and the heroine brings her hero to his knees.

Christina is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

The attraction of captor/captive romances, inspiration for their Hot Desert Sheikhs and scorching scenes and more………

I am SO excited to share with you the interviews with the three bestselling authors who each wrote one of the books which make up the TAKEN BY THE SHEIKH boxed set. When I was given the opportunity to quiz them on these hot alpha men and the women they decide to make their own I jumped at the chance! I also asked them about their collaboration on the scorching erotic series, ‘Secret Confessions: Sydney Housewives’ their writing process and their future projects. Scroll down to read the interview and be sure to visit us on 22nd December when we will be sharing more information about the release and details of a Rafflecopter giveaway! Tina 🙂

Three desert Sheikhs. Three captive brides…

Bound by duty to honor their father’s dying wish, three royal brothers must marry their destined brides… by whatever means necessary…

Q&As with Christina, Mel and Cathleen

1. Where did the idea for writing the boxed set, ‘Taken by the Sheikh’ come from?

Mel – Cathleen had the idea of the boxed set and working with other authors, when she asked if I was interested I couldn’t say yes fast enough! I love trying new concepts and ideas. As for the sheikh idea – I just happened to have started a sheikh story of my own and so we ran with it!

Cathleen– I’ve seen authors have great success with boxed sets, so I decided to pick two writers whose work I love and felt I could work with. I think these two things are essential for a project.

Christina – It was funny because I’d wanted to get involved in a boxed set for a few months but had no idea how to begin the process. So when Cathleen contacted me with her idea I was thrilled! I’d also never tackled a Sheikh hero before so the challenge was irresistible. 🙂

2. I see that you have also collaborated on writing the ‘Secret Confessions: Sydney Housewives series.’ In terms of working together, to what extent did you bounce ideas off each other before, during and after writing the first draft? Also have you any tips on what makes such a collaboration a success?

Mel – I think we relied more on our editor (Tracey O’Hara) who was kind of the anchor for this series. When I wrote my housewife, Camilla, when interactions with other characters occurred to me – I’d talk to Tracey and/or the other author of that character and ensure it all came together seamlessly and made sense.

Cathleen – For Taken by the Sheikh – We have three brothers who have to marry fast because their parents have been assassinated and their country’s stability is at risk. That’s the basic premise. From that point we each wrote out story but we had to check things with each other re: continuity. For any project there has to be some give and take and we all were prepared to do that.

Christina – In my Secret Confessions book, Willow, whenever I brought in one of the other housewives I’d contact that author and run my scene by them to ensure they were happy with what I’d done. With our Sheikh books it was more a case of hammering out our world and the brothers’ backgrounds so we were all on the same page before we started, and then ensuring the continuity ran smoothly. I think it’s essential that each author in this kind of project is willing to be flexible to accommodate each other’s story threads.

3. Why do you think that the captor/captive theme in romance novels has such an everlasting appeal?

Mel – I think it’s because it’s so alpha and illegal and bad, and let’s face it we all love a bit of a bad boy – it trips that little flutter button inside us.

Cathleen – Mel and I love writing forced seduction whereas Christina prefers romance. She’s the rose writer between two thorns. I think as a romantic trope the sexy dark commanding sheikh is here to stay because he’s the ultimate alpha male.

Christina – I think it’s the whole forbidden/fantasy aspect that’s so appealing. I love reading about these take no prisoner Alpha heroes but in real life I’d probably smack him around the head.

4. Where do you get your inspiration from for your male/female leads?

Mel – I’m a very visual person, my characters form in my head and come together as I write – their looks and their personalities. If I’m really organized I’ll do a character chart and even a bit of a plot, but I find letting everything come together on its own and layering as I go works better.

Cathleen – I always see my hero first and the initial situation. This sheikh is dark, secretive and dangerous. I don’t plot. I write and it flows out like a movie.

Christina – I’m really not sure. It’s all in my mind and they are so real to me. I don’t pick out photos of celebrities or anything like that – although it’s a strange but true fact that many of my heroes do closely resemble Henry Canvill!

5. You have probably been asked this many times already, but where do you get your ideas from for your smoking hot/erotic scenes? lol

Mel– My husband would love to say I practise everything on him, but I guess it’s mostly that I have a good imagination LOL

Cathleen – My husband is convinced it’s all about him and his moves. Me? I have a never ending supply of stories that demand to be written. Some come to me in dreams, some characters catch my attention and demand their own stories. If I don’t write them they bug me at three in the morning so I just get on with it.

Christina – Writing hot love scenes is just part of the way I enjoy writing my romances. To me they’re an essential part of the story where the characters are laid bare – in more ways than the obvious. So as far as where do the ideas come from, they are kind of organic to the hero and heroine of that particular story, just as every other scene is.

6. Why do you enjoy writing romance?

Mel – I just love writing a happily ever after and seeing two people (or sometimes more!) get together despite seemingly impossible odds. There’s nothing quite like a love story with undercurrents of danger.

Cathleen – I’m passionate about the craft and trying to improve and try different things. I write in different genres which so the challenge is always there for me. I love reading a well-crafted romance and getting the satisfaction of a happy ending.

Christina – I love crafting seemingly impossible conflicts and then discovering how my hero and heroine overcome them to reach their happily-ever-after. I love my HEA. There should be more of them. 🙂

7. When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

Mel – Reading, going to the cinema and watching brilliant movies, catching up on series like The Walking Dead, watching a little too much reality tv, and having a few drinks in the afternoon with my hubster.

Christina – I like to sleep! LOL! Apart from that I love reading, catching up on missed shows and movies on DVD, being a devoted slave to my kitties and of course spending precious time with my gorgeous family.

8. Finally, what works have you in the pipeline?

Mel – Where to start! I’m continuing writing for the ES Siren series with Denise Rossetti and Shona Husk, and I also have a longer length sub with a publisher that’s pretty different to what I usually write. I’m also working on another longer ms in first person point of view – a mutant story set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian world.

Cathleen – I’m finalising a zombie apocalypse novel set on a navy base for my publisher, I have two boxed set projects to do with Mel and Christina, my publisher has given me to the go ahead for an Aussie outback type novel and people keep asking me for BDSM novels after the success of ‘Secret Confessions: Sydney Housewives series.’ I’m also writing my next Highlander story as Highlander Romance is selling so well.

Christina – I’m currently writing three linked books for Entangled Publishing’s Brazen line about three bad boy brothers. This is the first time I’ve set books in the States so this is another challenge for me. Next year I plan to self publish a sexy contemporary and write another boxed set with Cathleen and Mel.

Thank you for taking time out to answer my questions, Christina, Mel and Cathleen. We wish you the very best on the release! Tina and Caroline ❤ ❤ ❤

Capture Taken by the Sheikh at the special low introductory price of $0.99 for six weeks only!

Chloe Shard has travelled to Edinburgh to meet up with a potential client, and has just twenty-four hours to convince them to sign her contract. But when she meets the delicious Ethan, he proves to be so much more than an enticing distraction. It’s not long before Chloe has some life changing decisions to make, and less than a day to make them in.

Chloe squeezed her eyes shut as the plane’s wheels bumped along the tarmac, and her stomach lurched into her chest as the brakes were applied. Her ears flooded with the sound of her own heart beating louder than the squealing and screeching of the landing gear. Pressure built in her cheeks as she clenched her teeth together. The worst hour in her life was almost over.

“Welcome to Edinburgh,” said the captain over the speaker system. “We hope you had a pleasant journey and enjoyed the flight. Please remain seated with your seat belts fastened until the light is turned off.”

A chuckle emanated from nearby. Chloe opened one eye and peered at the man in the seat across the aisle from her. “You can breathe again,” he said in an American accent, flashing her a grin.

“I think I’ll wait until my feet are actually on the ground if it’s all the same to you,” she replied, leaning back into the headrest.

A loud ping was followed by a Mexican wave of clicking as the passengers released their seat belts and fought to get their bags and rush off the plane. Chloe undid her own belt then hurriedly squished herself into the seat as an oversized belly, violently stretching at a pale green shirt, began its invasion of her breathing space. Her shoulder was nudged as the impatient woman beside her stood up, hunching under the overhead compartment. She waited for the plane to empty. The impatient woman started huffing and tutting. Chloe looked up apologetically, but was met with a hardened glare.

“Here,” said the man from opposite. She turned her gaze towards him and was grateful to see him holding back a herd of cattle desperate to depart. She drank him in for a second. He was broad enough to act as a barrier between her and the crowd. A very attractive barrier. From the way his T-shirt stretched over his biceps, she could tell that his width was certainly not due to being overweight. Ink spiralled around his skin from beneath the short sleeve, tracing down to his elbow.

“Thank you.” She stepped into the aisle. Immediately, the woman from beside her shoved herself through the gap, knocking Chloe into the man’s chest with an oof!

“I’m so sorry!” she said, stepping back and turning to the overhead compartments, feeling her cheeks heat. Her fingers tingled with the memory of his muscular chest beneath them.

Author Bio:

British author Charlotte Howard, was born in Oman and spent much of the first part of her life flitting between Oman, Scotland, and England. Now settled in Somerset, Charlotte lives with her husband, two children, and growing menagerie of pets.

Her career as a writer began at an early age, with a poem being featured in an anthology for the East Midlands. Since then Charlotte has written many short stories and poems, and finally wrote her first full-length piece of fiction in 2010.

During what little spare time she has, Charlotte enjoys reading and writing (of course), spending time with her family, and watching action movies whilst eating curry and drinking tea.

Sweet, Sexy and Suspenseful!

Erotic Contemporary Romance

Book Blurb

Kate Braxton has fallen into the role most women do by putting someone else’s needs above her own. In reality, she lives day to day unable to overcome the scars of her past to allow herself to move on with her life. Her divorce and a new job just might open the door to a brighter future for her.

Brayden Bennett is sexy and successful in the marketing firm he works for, but has been used and discarded by women, leaving him hurt and guarded. The beautiful new hire in Atlanta captures his attention in ways he didn’t think possible and he can’t help but wonder if she holds the key to his caged heart.

Kate is taking care of her ill father in Atlanta and Brayden’s son ties him to Chicago. Can they dare to dream of a future together? Can Kate survive the freak accidents that keep occurring, or will their relationship end in tragedy before they can figure out a way to be together?

My Review

Sweet, Sexy and Suspenseful!

Erotic Contemporary Romance

I highly recommend Layla Merritt’s Distant Love, which will charm you with the beautiful romance between Brayden and Kate, the hero and heroine and heat up your Kindle! It is both sexy and suspenseful and has some heartrending scenes as the hero and heroine struggle to develop and maintain their new found love for one another across the miles, against all the odds. They not only have their own strong family ties to factor into their relationship, but have a jealous ex-girlfriend and their own emotional baggage to deal with, not to mention a series of unexplained accidents that begin to befall Kate….

Yet this novel is far from doom and gloom. It contains many erotic and sensual scenes, as Brayden and Kate take full advantage of their mutual desire when they find themselves in each others’ arms. Braydon is a real hottie with a true heart who certainly knows how to treat a woman in and out of the bedroom. He is bowled over by the sweet and sassy Kate when he encounters her in the course of their work.

It is a while before they meet in the flesh, having to content themselves with modern means of communication. The sexual tension therefore builds to a crescendo so that when they eventually meet the flames soon ignite in some scorching and achingly sweet scenes. Kate is juggling a new job with caring for her seriously ill father and has had her own share of tragedies and Brayden takes his responsibilities to his son very seriously, despite his ex-wife having custody.

The connection between the couple is strong physically and emotionally. Yet fate and certain individuals conspire against their HEA. Will ‘amor vincit omnia’ or will the distance, the actions of others and events outside their control shatter their chances of a future together?

There is a hugely satisfying ending, but there is clearly potential for a subsequent book. I strongly recommend Distant Love to romance readers who like sweet, sexy and suspenseful romance with erotic love making scenes between a couple deeply in love.

A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a far and honest review.